PURPLE FLOWERS WEEK 2017
It’s an annual tradition on EauMG to feature “purple flowers” on the week of Nowruz/Vernal Equinox. “Purple flowers” are what I call flowers that (usually) have purple blossoms and bloom in spring: lilacs, violets, iris, heliotrope, hyacinth and wisteria (when I’m feeling generous). These are the sort of florals that make me think of spring. Plus, it gives me an excuse to talk about some of my favorite floral notes.
Why don’t we talk about Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger more than we do? I’ve loved everything that I’ve tried so far. (Lavande Ombrée is soooo good, ya’ll). They’re so good at doing the “vintage modern” thing. AND they don’t cost a fortune (by niche perfumery standards). Rose Irisée is even better than I expected (and I already had high expectations!)
The opening of Rose Irisée makes my day. It’s like a negroni, amaretto and a rooty iris. If translated to the bar scene, it’d make for one sophisticated cocktail on one of those Brooklyn drink menus where nothing is under $20. It’s bittersweet and with a rather apparent gin/vermouth and amaretto/almond accords. With the other Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger perfumes that I’ve sampled, there’s this rustic leather-y birch tar accord that I adore. This accord is in this one as well. It keeps the sweet/pretty notes from ever being too sweet/pretty. The heart sort of reminds me of the floral ylang-ylang/rose of a classic perfume like Molinard Habanita. It’s not fresh, living florals. It’s that powdery, leathery, slightly smoky “femme fatale” floral. Rose Irisee wears as a dry iris, vetiver and musk with a powderiness for many hours.
I love how this smells so vintage-modern. It has all of the notes that make vintage/classic perfumes so glorious; however, Rose Irisée is streamlined to fit with the modern world. It’s not going to be confused with a “period piece”. I think a lot of this has to do with quality. Quality never goes out of style.
Notes include bergamot, orange, vermouth, almond, rose, iris, ylang-ylang, cedar, patchouli, musk, vanilla and sandalwood. Launched in 2014. PERFUMER – Jean-Claude Gigodot
Give this a try if you like the thought of a leathery-iris. Or perfumes like Molinard Habanita, Roja Dove Enslaved, Piguet Knightsbridge and/or Bourbon French Parfums Kus Kus.
Projection and longevity are average.
The 3.4 oz bottle retails for $128 at Beautyhabit. Samples are also available for purchase.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Negroni and orris root. A bottle has been added to my “to-buy” list.
Want more reviews? Try…
Fragrantica – Member reviews
*Sample purchased by me. Product pic from Fragrantica. Mary Jane Russell for Vogue 1953 from pleasurephoto.com. Sans the cigarette she really embodies all my goals. Post contains an affiliate link.
I am totally with you on the Mary Jane Russell goals!
You mention likening the birch tar accord. How do you feel about the Taur fragrances? Any favorites?
And after I commented I looked in the archives and saw all of your Tauer reviews.
No problem 🙂 I’m trying to make the archives more searchable but you know how other things in live always get in the way :S
She is so much goals here.
My favorites are Lonestar Memories and L’air du Desert Marocain. I love the rustic feel of those.
This sounds lovely, and it’s nice that it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Thank you for the review.
It is so refreshing to try something that doesn’t cost a fortune AND to actually like something that doesn’t cost a fortune!